Delivery agent for Aspire Programme named

THE East Border Region Ltd recently announced the appointment of Helix Innovation Partnerships Ltd as the delivery agent for the innovative cross border Aspire Programme.

Funded through the European Union’s INTERREG IVA Cross Border Programme, the Aspire Programme offers micro businesses across the East Border Region a real boost to help them remain competitive and grow in the current challenging economic climate.

Speaking on behalf of Banbridge District Council, Chairman Junior McCrum said, “The Aspire Programme will provide a welcome boost to the economy of the Banbridge District and greater East Border Region and will not only provide practical business support to companies employing fewer than 10 people but in addition offers graduates the opportunity to gain experience and to improve their employment prospects longer term.

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“I would urge local companies to find out how the Aspire Programme could boost their business.”

The Aspire programme will work with 45 businesses, providing them with a financial and mentoring support package to allow them to employ a graduate for a specific business improvement project.

All 45 graduate positions will be advertised through the Aspire Programme in the coming months and will be full-time positions, with innovative forward thinking companies.

Chairman of East Border Region Cllr Gerald Mallon welcomed the Aspire Programme, “We in East Border Region are delighted to be the lead partner on such an innovative and worthwhile project. Given today’s challenging economic climate this level of investment and job creation is much needed and greatly welcomed across the region”.

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Expressing his delight at their appointment, Peter Grant, Managing Director of Helix Innovation Partnerships Ltd stressed the benefits of the programme to businesses, “The Aspire Programme offers businesses a unique opportunity to develop organically by focusing on their specific needs and supporting them to recruit and employ a graduate to drive their development forward.”

The Aspire Programme will be formally launched on Tuesday 29 January 2013 at Banbridge Enterprise Centre from 5pm – 6.30pm. This free event will provide businesses with an opportunity to find out more about Aspire and how to apply for the programme.

Further information sessions will be held on Wednesday 6 February at the Signal Centre, Bangor and on Wednesday 13 February at the Fairways Hotel, Dundalk. For further information on the programme or to register to attend one of the information sessions, contact Sharon Daly, Aspire Programme Co-ordinator, Banbridge District Council on T: 028 4066 0600 or email:sdaly@aspireprogramme.com